Rizwan’s fifty gives SNGPL lead as KRL fight back

RAWALPINDI: Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) fought back against Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) on the second day of the President’s Trophy final-round action, with Mohammad Faiq’s unbeaten half-century keeping his side in contention after Mohammad Rizwan helped SNGPL secure a first-innings lead on Tuesday.

KRL reached 111 for two in 29 overs in their second innings at stumps, with Faiq batting confidently on 64 not out. His innings offered KRL a promising response after they conceded a 44-run lead.

Earlier, SNGPL were dismissed for 195 in reply to KRL’s first-innings total of 151. Rizwan led the recovery with 64 off 81 deliveries, striking 10 boundaries, while Sameer Minhas contributed 49. Daniyal Ali Khan was KRL’s standout bowler, claiming four wickets for 48 runs.

Elsewhere, MIT Solutions strengthened their position against Pakistan Television (PTV) at Diamond Cricket Ground in Islamabad. Resuming at 370 for six, MIT Solutions were bowled out for 412 in 88.4 overs, with Kashif Ali and Khalil Ahmed taking three wickets each for PTV.

PTV’s first innings then collapsed dramatically, with the side dismissed for just 64 in 19.5 overs. Salman Aslam produced a devastating spell, taking four wickets for six runs, while Aamer Jamal claimed two for 13.

Forced to follow on with a deficit of 348 runs, PTV showed greater resistance in their second innings, reaching 177 for two at stumps. Waqar Hussain remained unbeaten on 102, while Taimur Khan was not out on 63. Despite the recovery, PTV still trailed by 171 runs with eight wickets remaining.

At the National Ground in Islamabad, Kingsmen Academy resumed at 328 for eight before being dismissed for 371 in 97 overs.

State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reached 209 for four in response, with Kamran Ghulam scoring 88 and Faham-ul-Haq adding 49. Mohammad Ilyas took two wickets for 55 runs, leaving SBP trailing by 162 runs at the close.

With significant first-innings differences still shaping the other contests, the next day promises further battles as teams look to strengthen their positions in the tournament.